Cinematic 2D action adventure games don't get much more striking or immersive as REPLACED and its intuitive gameplay systems are superb.

Punching through the gorgeous game world of Decline's Drops is a thrill, especially as you discover its many secrets and unlock fun goodies.

Call of the Elder Gods is a tough adventure puzzler that follows in the footsteps of the first game while expanding the memorable cast, story, and locations to create another enjoyable mystery that unfolds in unexpected ways.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a great action RPG that has stood the test of time and this Day 1 Edition is a superb treasure trove of goodies that any Ys fan will cherish for years to come.

I had so much fun with Go! Go! Mister Chickums that I highly recommend it, especially to anyone who loves throwing eggs at snails and stuff.

Kiln is bursting with smashtastic gameplay and so much charm that I want a Celadon poster just so I can remember how cool it is to be silly.

Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth is an adorable and nostalgic tale of how unforgiving deep winter can be but how with friends, you can make the most of it until spring comes around.

If you're looking for a simple multiplayer game that anyone can easily enjoy then you'll love the super-charming Fruit Mountain Party.

There's so much packed into Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege and as you progress, you'll be impressed with how much variety there is to enjoy.

3D platformers don't get much more relaxing or stylish than Gecko Gods and for that, it really stands out as something quite special.

SAROS takes what made Returnal such a epically awesome action game and turns the dial way up while simultaneously offering such a distinct and immersive game world that it'll haunt your dreams even long after the end credits roll.

I had a lovely time with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and its quirky look at human existence made me realise just how silly we all are.

Dosa Divas combines exploration, cooking, and turn-based battles into one colourful and entertaining tale that will make you ask for seconds.

PRAGMATA is a visceral and rewarding action game set within an intriguing world that will make you want to keep coming back for more.

There are so many mechanics in Beyond Words that it can be overwhelming but once you start to earn gold trophies, it sure feels awesome.

Super Meat Boy 3D modernises the 2D classic in such a fleshed-out and meaty way that it's really quite scrumptious what they cooked up.

GRIME II is a strange-looking game and as you play it, you'll find yourself immersed knee-deep in its alien world filled with unique challenges.

I had a wonderful time with Temtem: Swarm and it's easily one of my favourite Survivors-likes so far; definitely play it, chums! It's so cute.

Shop & Stuff: Supermarket Simulator is an absolutely hilarious VR game that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to laugh out loud as they haphazardly manage their shop while a bunch of oddball customers make a complete mess of it.

I had a blast with ChainStaff in all of its disgustingly gruesome action-packed glory; it's indie 2D action at its most ridiculous and I love it.

People of Note is an incredibly stylish indie with the bones of a PS1-era RPG and it does a phenomenal job of pulling you into its imaginative music-filled game world as you gradually get the band together and proceed to make beautiful music in the heat of combat.

Sigma Star Saga DX is a spot-on iteration of one of the most unique and enjoyable classics in the Game Boy Advance library that modernises a lot of its dated aspects to make it more enjoyable while its gorgeous sprite animations have held up exceptionally well on their own.

Darwin's Paradox! is a beautiful and variety-filled 2D platformer that expertly blends platforming, puzzles, and stealth so if you don't mind a little trial and error then be sure to give this delightful octopus a chance.

Life is Strange: Reunion is an enjoyable and fitting end to the Max and Chloe saga so if you've played the previous games in the franchise, you'll definitely want to pick this one up, too.

Forging your weapon in Grind Survivors is such a cool process that it'll have you blasting through runs just to see what you can make next.

I had a lot of fun with Minishoot' Adventures, especially considering just how much your little ship will grow into a force to be reckoned with.

It has a highly unconventional premise yet everything in DAMON and BABY works so well together and it's super-charming to boot.

I'm blown away by how well Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition holds up, especially considering it released almost 5 years ago and I had just as much fun playing through it now than I did back then. Slight visual downgrade aside, this is a near-perfect port.

I had a very good time revisiting the DS classics in Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection and it's such a lovely compilation that it's sure to charm you with its excellent cast of characters, oodles of extras, and welcoming assortment of settings.

These Nintendo Switch 2 Editions have all been very impressive but Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is the most jam-packed one to date, especially with its super-imaginative multiplayer challenges and epic Koopaling encounters.

I loved playing through New Super Lucky's Tale - PlayStation 5 Edition which marks my 5th time with this adorable modern 3D platformer and, hey, I still enjoy it so that says a lot! Plus, did you see how cute those owls are? We need a game that stars those chums.

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a gorgeous game that's full of so many unique spells and enemies that you'll constantly be excited to uncover more of its lovely game world as you power-up and become the swankiest librarian in the realm.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a great tactical stealth game that has not only held up wonderfully on its own, this new Nintendo Switch 2 release is the definitive way to play it on console so definitely get it if you enjoy challenging strategic gameplay.

Collector's Cove shows you what it would be like to run a farm on the back of a swimming dinosaur and with its rewarding gameplay loop, it will make you want to keep coming back for more gentle good times.

With swanky gadgets and fun environments to explore, Ratcheteer DX is a retro throwback that I recommend to any fan of Game Boy classics.

It's great how Scott Pilgrim EX balances intuitive gameplay with its many clever mechanics to make for a diverse yet streamlined experience.

I had such a lovely time playing through the puzzling scenarios within Planet of Lana II that I know I'll still think fondly back on it for years.

There's a lot packed in to Sumerian Six and it's a great game if you're looking for some laughs as you sneak around taking out nogoodniks.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an impressively challenging RPG with an engaging story and enjoyable adventuring mechanics that will make you want to keep exploring its gorgeous world which is filled with memorable environments, creatures, and characters.

Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse is one of my new favourite 2D action games thanks to its clever combination of gameplay structures, consistently rewarding sense of progression, variety of enemies and skills, and gorgeous presentation that ties it all together.

Pokemon Pokopia delivers an adorably joyful experience that unfolds at your own pace and provides a canvas for unbridled creativity.

The 2 additional Super NES games in The Disney Afternoon Collection - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition boost its overall value as they expand the sense of variety in very clever ways, especially with Goof Troop as that's a super-fun retro title that you can play cooperatively with a chum.

It may be simple at its core but HyperDot is so full of variety and ways to play that it'll keep you (and perhaps your chums) happily hooked.

Hunt The Night is an incredibly challenging game that does an awesome job of pushing you to perform better and better in its grueling world.

As a rarity in the genre, WiZmans World Re;Try is a pick-up-and-play RPG that'll have you experimenting as you happily forge ahead.

Lovish is a very special indie game that really stands out with its unique campaign and top-notch random humour. How could you not love it?

Mastering each carefully-designed room within the eerie campaign of LOVE ETERNAL will keep you on edge and it's one very rewarding game.

REANIMAL's more 3-dimensional approach to its horror puzzle-adventure gameplay really supercharges the scares and sense of exploration.

Tales of Berseria was a great entry in the series back when it originally released and it still is today. This is an excellent RPG to pick up if you're looking for a thoroughly entertaining story although the enhancements aren't anything to write home about.

Considering it takes a long time to start getting really good, God of War Sons of Sparta can test your patience but if you stick to it, you'll find one rewarding Metroidvania with oodles of content, gorgeous areas, and a solid variety of enemies and puzzles.

Under The Island is an adorable, challenging, and silly action adventure game that's packed with variety and secrets to uncover. Great stuff.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the same great game with extra content that adds a lot of value and rewarding challenges for those who master its memorable seafaring campaign. It may have released a bit too soon but what's here is excellent stuff regardless.

ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard is a first-person puzzle game that combines so many enjoyable mechanics in such clever ways that it presents a constantly rewarding campaign where you'll always look forward to what's to come.

High On Life 2 presents such a constant barrage of ridiculous humour and memorable gameplay scenarios that it can be a great deal of fun. At the same time, its core gameplay is quite simple and not everyone will appreciate its world's cynical albeit colourful lens.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is one of the best roguelikes thanks to its action-packed combat, strategic upgrades, huge variety of characters, superb animation, and constant sense of reward. If you love 2D action games then you'll have a wonderful time with this impressive package.

Mario Tennis Fever is absolutely the best game in the series so far and if you enjoy the back-and-forth of the sport as you take in all of the wonderfully charming sights and sounds then this is a must-play game that really shines in multiplayer.

Relooted's clever blend of gameplay elements as you plan, solve puzzles, and then execute via exciting parkour segments completely blew me away and it certainly stands tall as one of the most unique and rewarding indie games that you'll ever play.

SUPER BOMBERMAN COLLECTION is bursting with explosive old-school fun that has held up outstandingly well over the decades. Whether you're playing it solo or with a couchful of chums, you'll be in for one superbly entertaining time.

Dark Auction is a visual novel with gameplay elements that reward observant players while the plot and cast come together in an intriguing way to deliver story twists that you'll never see coming.

MY HERO ACADEMIA: All's Justice is a flashy and entertaining fighter that folks of all skill levels can easily enjoy thanks to its intuitive and accessible control options. Plus, it looks excellent to boot and is full of superbly memorable characters.

Nioh 3 is a superbly enjoyable culmination of action RPG fun and its open environments are bursting with so much rewarding content that it's hard to put it down whenever you start playing. It may be a big change of pace but I'm incredibly happy with everything it offers.

The graphical upgrade and streamlined gameplay of DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined provide a breath of fresh air that do a great job of making this classic RPG appeal to both new and familiar audiences.

I had a great deal of fun while being immersed in the striking world within MIO: Memories in Orbit as it is one captivating Metroidvania.

There are so many puzzle and strategy elements in Drop Duchy - Complete Edition yet it ties them all together into one super-fun formula.

Candylands Journey is a fitting follow-up to the delightful Farlands Journey and I downright adore both of these super-fun retro-inspired indies.

Escape from Ever After establishes its lighthearted fairy tale world wonderfully with its endearing visuals, characters, and music and it plays superbly to boot thanks to its impressively strategic party setup and battle mechanics. What an absolute delight.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a supremely fun one-on-many fighting experience with familiar grand scale battles combining with freshly challenging elements that can really put your skills and reflexes to the test and it works wonderfully on Nintendo Switch 2.

Revolgear Zero is an excellent shoot 'em up that you'll literally have a blast with as you unlock parts and fully customise your ship.

Super Farming Boy is one of my new favourite indie games with its adorable visuals and super-rewarding gameplay where strategically placing crops will make you feel like a farming legend who may just be capable enough to save their mom and friends.

Despite some of my issues with OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, there was simply only one conclusion I could draw after finishing the game: the future of the series is bright and I couldn't be happier about that.

ARC Raiders is a heck of a lot of fun that'll have you coming back for more even months after you started playing it. In fact, it may just be the most immediately gratifying pick-up-and-play shooter that I've ever enjoyed. Definitely check it out if you haven't already.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon is a massive game with oodles of familiar and fresh characters, locales, mechanics, and quests. It can actually be a bit too much at times yet it all comes together to form one of the best-crafted modern RPGs.

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit is a modern retro-style game done right so grab a pen and paper to write your passwords down and have a blast shooting your way through its clever stages as you take in the very cool chiptunes and oodles of goofy references.

Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga is bursting with nostalgic fighting fun for any fan of Nihon Falcom's RPGs. Although it's rather basic, there's so much packed in that you're bound to love unlocking oodles of goodies as you take in all the lovely sights and sounds.

Even if you end up playing only 1 or 2 of the games, the level of quality showcased in Simogo Legacy Collection makes it well worth owning.

Completing the increasingly complex puzzles within LOK Digital provides a great deal of fun for any puzzle game enthusiast so check it out.

It's awesome that Dadish 4 retains what keeps the series fun while offering enough variety that anyone will be hooked until the very end.

The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4 retains the spirit of the first few games while offering different and unexpectedly rewarding progression.

My gaming chum and I had so much fun with Ultimate Sheep Raccoon that we're bound to play it whenever we're in a silly competitive mood.

INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road is such a jam-packed game that even if you only end up playing one of its many modes, you'll still have a great time. With its vibrant game world, rewarding progression systems, and super-fun strategic gameplay, it certainly deserves a trophy.

POPUCOM is a top-notch co-op game that'll keep you and your chums delighted for hours upon hours. With a colourful and cute game world that's welcoming and bubbly and a superb blend of puzzle, action, and platforming fun, it's sure to pop straight to your heart.

I had so much fun with Tomba! 2 Special Edition and it reminded me just how special of a game it is thanks to its unorthodox approach to platforming, general goofiness, and stage designs that often offer much more than initially meets the eye. Plus, there are piggies.

Fighting your way through a jungle filled with lighthearted hilarity, tight combat, varied builds, and rewarding unlockables makes Dunjungle stand out as one of the best 2D action platformer roguelikes. So, go monkey around, chums.

Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam is jam-packed with flashy shoot 'em up fun that's set in a bubbly world filled with awesome characters and enjoyable bosses. Its gameplay systems really come together nicely to make for one score-chasing good time.

Schildmaid MX turns shmup action on its head with its cool shield mechanic and I highly recommend it if you enjoy aiming for high scores.

Experimenting with Nightmare: The Lunatic's weapons, builds, and options make it one supremely enjoyable and customisable action game.

Remnants of the Rift is one of the best unconventional strategic experiences out there so definitely play it if you want something different.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an impressive experience that will stay with you for a very long time. As you gradually unwrap its intricate game world that's packed with some of the best stage designs ever, the sense of accomplishment is simply unmatched.

My gaming chum and I had a wonderful time with MARVEL Cosmic Invasion so if you enjoy beat 'em ups then playing this gem of a game is a must. In fact, I think I'll put a little cape on my physical copy when it arrives in March.

Keeper is one of the most unique and captivating games that you'll ever play. With so many unexplained otherworldly sights, you'll feel like you visited some strange yet beautiful alien planet that you'll think fondly back on long after the credits roll.

Baseless is one of the best indie games of the year with its unconventional and well thought-out gameplay complete with many facets that'll keep you pushing your skills further and further. It looks lovely to boot and how cute are those scarves?

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is an absolute gem of a shoot 'em up that's near and dear to my heart but holy hot darn, will it make you want to rip your hair out so make sure you bring plenty of patience and it'll end up being a supremely rewarding experience.

Kirby Air Riders is so full of variety, hearty challenges, and pure joy that I highly recommend it to anyone who relishes unconventional gaming experiences. Plus, its online component is so well implemented that it may just be my new go-to game for multiplayer fun.

If you want to chill as you scan super-cute dioramas for differences then you'll have a wonderful time with the delightful Tiny Lands 2.

Descending through the chaotic 2D stages of CLAWPUNK will make you feel like one badass feline, especially when you start achieving S-ranks.

With its ingenious collection of varied stages, charming retro visuals, and challenging shooting gameplay, Silver Bullet is a real hoot for sure.

No matter how you play Neon Inferno, you're bound to have a great time thanks to its stellar gameplay and modern retro-inspired aesthetic.

Cutting your way through Majogami will make you feel like one stylish ninja as you soar through stunning stages on your path to victory.